Autologous blood injection versus corticosteroid for tennis elbow

Goal. Compare the effectiveness of injections of autologous blood and injections of corticosteroids in the treatment of "tennis elbow." MATERIALS AND METHODS. 25 men and 35 women (mean age 35.2 years) with a "tennis elbow" were randomized for injections or autologous blood (2 ml of autologous venous blood mixed with 1 ml of 2% xylocaine hydrochloride) or a steroidal preparation of triamcinolone acetonide (1 ml - 40 mg, mixed with 1 ml of 2% xylocaine hydrochloride), which one surgeon did. We evaluated before (0 day) and after (after 15, 30, 60 days) treatment for the presence of pain in the elbow, the function and strength of flexion in the joint. The presence of pain in the elbow joint was evaluated after one year. Results. Infections, tendon ruptures and neurovascular damage were not identified. Five patients reported pain for up to three days after the injection of autologous blood. In both groups, the flexion force improved dramatically after treatment, but the recovery process was different. Compared with injections of autologous blood during the injection of a corticosteroid drug, the recovery occurred more quickly in the first 15 days, and then slightly slowed down to the 60th day. After the introduction of autologous blood, pain relief, function and flexion strength were steadily improved and eventually became more sophisticated. The conclusion. In comparison with injections of a corticosteroid drug, injections of autologous blood were more effective with a long period of control in terms of relief of pain, restoration of function and flexion strength. This is how we recommend this first-order injection technique, because it is simple enough, inexpensive and more effective.